May 2000

Chris Mitchell with Phill WoodsThe Witches of RedbeardE1 Music

Canadian Chris Mitchell also plays baritone. Although this recording lacks a chordal instrument and the instrumentation is minimal (trio, quartet, or quintet), the arrangements of its mixture of standards and originals manage to sound fresh and compelling. The improvised solos also maintain a high level of quality. The other Canadian performers are bassists Neil Swainson or Jamie Gatti, drummers Jerry Fuller or Tom Roach, and tenorist Kirk MacDonald. Mitchell's former teacher, Phil Woods, guests on four tracks in his typical ebullient manner.